Sustainable Futures in Biological and Environmental Sciences 

Margaret Graham leads research on the behaviour of potentially toxic elements in natural waters, soils, sediments and contaminated land. She has acted as international expert to the US Environmental Protection Agency on the Fate of Lead (Pb) in the Environment; she leads a Natural Environment Research Council Global Partnership project to promote and progress smart and sustainable mining in Chile (2023-25); she holds a Wellcome Trust impact award to develop fingerprinting tools for sources of Pb in drinking water; with Scottish Water, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (Scotland), she works on climate change impacts on the resilience of our water resources.

She is Associate Director of the International Institute for Environmental Studies, a virtual organisation supporting international mobility and networking for students/early career researchers.

Dr James Watt, Lecturer in Environmental Science, School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh

James Watt is an Environmental Scientist with expertise in identifying and quantifying interactions between chemical contaminants and the environment, with particular emphasis on their impacts on biological communities and water quality. His approach combines novel laboratory-based experiments with chemical analytical techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and advanced statistical analysis of long-term water quality datasets.

James’ current research interests revolve around freshwater resilience and understanding how to manage and maintain freshwater resources over long time periods in the face of continuing global environmental and anthropogenic change.

Dr Virginia Echavarri-Bravo, Faraday Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh

Virginia has a versatile academic background, (MEng Agricultural Engineering, MSc Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, PhD Microbiology and Nanotoxicology) and working experience in both industry and academia. As a member of the Horsfall group since 2015, Virginia has worked in interdisciplinary research projects such as the development of nanoparticle composites and the recovery of metals from phytoremediation biomass and industrial waste. As part of the Faraday Institution’s ReLiB project she is investigating the development of more sustainable recycling methods to separate and up-cycle critical and valuable metals contained in spent lithium-ion batteries.

The course is divided into 3 parts: (i) an overall introduction to current issues of environmental pollution and human health impacts; (ii) an exploration of some of the key approaches to minimise impacts upon the environment and upon human health, and (iii) a group mini-project to delve deeper into a biological methods for remediation and recycling.

The introduction will look at historical and contemporary environmental pollutants and the associated range of impacts these can have upon human health. It will link the current decarbonisation strategy to increased pressures to develop technology-critical new materials and the consequences this may have for environmental pollution and health. Having set the context, the course delves deeper into use of physical, chemical and biological methods to remediate contaminated sites. It will introduce biosynthetic methods and how these can be used for recovery and recycling of technology-critical elements. 

The final phase of the course will be devoted to a group mini-project giving a taster of research in these areas (using remediation, recovery and recycling for a sustainable future).

Course Sessions:

The course will consist of a lecture session on environmental pollution with integrated, interactive case studies about historical pollution and health impacts. This will be linked to two visits: (i) historical chromium pollution in Glasgow and the new recreational and geoenergy spaces that have been built on remediated land; (ii) legacy mining contamination (metals) that is currently impacting a local river in Edinburgh. Samples collected at the latter will then be analysed during a laboratory session. A second lecture session will focus on contemporary pollution arising from current decarbonisation of our society and will link to the project work on lithium ion batteries (metals and plastics wastes).

Laboratory sessions will give a hands-on introduction to biological methods (micro-pipettes, microscopes, and UV plate readers) that are used by researchers. Students will learn about how these methods are used in a number of different applications. Students will also have one session to bring together what they have learned into their mini-project which they will then present in poster format in the final session.

One session will be devoted to introducing you to concepts in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). RRI explores the ways in which a piece of research can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also surfacing other important issues in areas such as diversity and inclusion. You will be asked to reflect upon how your mini-project work aligns with RRI.

Student Learning Experience:

The course has been designed to offer you a variety of different styles of learning which reflect the fact that the desired Learning Outcomes are not simply focused on the detailed technical information content, but rather, should develop your academic and communication skills more widely. You will engage in lectures, which will be followed up by group explorations of ‘extension topics’, with group findings shared with your peers via (electronic) poster sessions and discussion. The group mini-project will offer you the opportunity to work with active scientists for a taster of research in these areas, including planning and communication. 

The course includes short field trips which will allow you to see some real examples of some of the topics explored in the  classroom (as well as offering a break from the classroom setting!).

Week 1 and 2

• Monday - Friday (10:00-13:00)

The course is assessed by two components of coursework that are equally weighted. Each component is assessed as pass/fail only, and both components need to be passed to pass the course:

1) A five-page group-authored report; four pages main text plus a one page RRI audit. This group element will be completed during the course.

2) A one-page, individual reflection on your experience of the course (750 words). This should include both academic and personal reflective practice. This individual element should be completed within 2 weeks of the end of the course.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Research and discuss issues in ecology and environmental science.
2. Apply knowledge to field and/or laboratory experiences, with appreciation of uncertainties.
3. Employ critical approaches when evaluating different information sources.
4. Plan, carry out and report on a novel investigation of a topic of current interest.
5. Apply concepts and tools of Responsible Research and Innovation to a new research project.

The course fee does not include accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information. 

To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.

More about our social programme activities >

Ready to apply?

For full details including information on fees, visas and a link to the application form please visit our 'Apply Now' page.

Visit our 'Apply Now' page